Crowne Plaza ($$$$, Av. Ruiz Cortines 912, Col. Unidad del Bosque, 228/842-3400,
www.crowneplaza.com) is Xalapa’s only five-star hotel. A short cab ride from downtown, it’s situated next to a large grocery store. Views from rooms on the pool side overlook a small pine forest.

Stuff to Do

Museo de Antropología Av. Jalapa s/n at Calle 1 de Mayo, open Tuesday through Sunday 9 to 5; general admission 40 pesos, kids under 12 free.

El Agora (Bajos de Parque Juárez, Tel. 228/818-5730, www.agora.xalapa.net, open Tuesday through Sunday 10 to 8) is an art gallery with spaces for cultural events and art cinema. See their website for current events.